IDF and Border Police Remove Israeli Outpost in West Bank Amid Settler Roadblocks

On Wednesday morning, Central Command Chief Aviv Blot arrived with IDF and Border Police forces at the Palestinian village of Qusra in the West Bank to evacuate an Israeli outpost established three days earlier. The outpost, an extension of the "Tel Talpiot" settlement, had been imposing a siege on Palestinian homes. Upon the forces' arrival, settlers blocked access roads to the village with heavy rocks to hinder the evacuation, while security forces attempted to negotiate their removal.

According to Qusra's council head, Abed Alazim Wadi, the tent at the outpost had not yet been evacuated, with settlers refusing to leave despite appeals from IDF commanders and the Civil Administration. The operation caused water cutoffs to the besieged Palestinian family’s home, food shortages in the area, and electricity was only available via solar panels.

The IDF declared a closed military zone in the area following reports of Israelis entering Palestinian homes and lands in Qusra and Jalud. The military condemned these incidents and announced disciplinary measures against security personnel found involved. It also noted that Israeli civilians attempted to enter the closed zone disguised as ambulance personnel.

The IDF stated that Central Command, Judea and Samaria Division, and Border Police commanders toured Qusra and nearby outposts, meeting with the Palestinian family who confirmed they had electricity and water infrastructure. The Border Police dismantled a nearby shack where Israeli civilians were present in the closed military zone and are working to evacuate them. Commanders strongly condemned the settlers' actions against the Palestinian family and ordered further steps and disciplinary action against the security forces involved in previous incidents at the site. The evacuation operation is ongoing.